The purpose of stubble cultivation is defined by the chosen crop production technology. Fortunately, in Hungary today, it rarely needs explaining that stubble should not be tilled deeply right away—whether using conventional plowing or no-till methods, the goal is shallow cultivation. Within this, some aim for thorough mixing, working down to 8–10 cm deep, while others are satisfied with cultivating the full width at a shallower depth. There are even those for whom it’s enough if the machine simply scratches a few furrows along the surface.
For stubble cultivation, we generally recommend a medium-heavy V-disc with 560 mm blades and 225 mm spacing. If professionally adjusted, it cultivates the full cross-section and has excellent mixing efficiency. A useful feature of the Busa Kontrol discs is the depth-adjustment regulator, which allows the disc’s straight tracking to be adjusted easily with one movement—preventing the rear row from following directly in the tracks of the front row.
Despite contemporary, business-driven “witch hunts,” where the short disc harrow does not cause the so-called “disc pan disease,” the V-disc won’t either. And in cases where the latter does compress the soil—typically on wet terrain—the former will do the same. If needed, the V-disc can be equipped with straight-edged blades.
A light short disc harrow is definitely not recommended, as its poor penetration into the soil results in stripe-like scratching of the stubble—falling into the category of the fairy-tale ‘naked emperor’.
An alternative to the disc harrow may be a light field cultivator with wide tines, which can work the full surface area, though its mixing effect is weaker. Heavy field cultivators, or grubbers, are more effective at mixing during deeper cultivation (10–15 cm); they work the surface thoroughly, which is why they are more commonly recommended in autumn.
When it comes to “machine combinations,” sealing the soil surface is essential for summer operations. Therefore, regardless of the equipment chosen, some type of roller must be used for proper closure.
Liquid applicators can also be mounted on any machine, allowing for the delivery of nutrients or beneficial bacteria. As with cultivators, these systems can be equipped with a rate controller that adjusts the application based on travel distance. By fitting the equipment with a small-seed drill, green manure or cover crops can be sown in a single pass.
